PNP points to 'anomalies' in arrangements for special services voters

 

The People's National Party (PNP) is drawing attention to what it describes as "troubling anomalies" in the arrangements for voting by Election Day workers, police and military, which takes place on Friday, August 29.

 

This exercise allows specific groups to cast their ballots ahead of the general election on September 3.

 

PNP Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting raised the concern on Thursday morning. 

 

"The party has received reports that a number of police officers assigned to non-geographic formations, for example chaplaincy, narcotics and the National Intelligence Bureau, have had their traditional polling stations changed to Kingston, despite having previously voted in rural parishes across the island for their entire careers. This arrangement means, for example, that officers who have consistently voted in places like St. James and Manchester must now travel to Kingston in order to exercise their constitutional right to vote," Mr. Bunting claimed.

 

He said many are unaware of this change and failure to travel could result in their disenfranchisement. 

 

"The PNP finds this deeply troubling. Those who risk their lives daily to serve and protect should not face unnecessary obstacles to cast their vote. We urge the Electoral Office of Jamaica and the Jamaica Constabulary Force to clarify the situation immediately and to ensure that affected personnel are properly informed and that measures are implemented to prevent their disenfranchisement. The integrity of Jamaica's electoral system must be safeguarded at all times," he urged.

 

Mr. Bunting said the PNP stands firmly in defence of free, fair and accessible elections where every eligible voter has a fair chance to participate without confusion, inconvenience or undue hardship.